Week One... We Made It!

We have made it through our first official week of summer vacation... and we're still in one piece!  But so much for posting our daily outings, and so much for thinking I might be able to tackle some of those projects I never find time for during the year.  But so far, so good at keeping the kids busy... so far, so good at engaging in activities that give us quality time together, and making the most of these few weeks before we are separated for Zachy's surgery.  After all, isn't FUN what summer is all about?

Last week we were out at the ballpark three times (and we just have one playing ball!)  The three oldest started swim team practice, we visited the library, shuffled back and forth between friends' houses, did a little shopping, and worked out at the YMCA.  The boys also spent hours on end in our backyard on the slipper slide, in the kiddie pool, and shooting water guns.  Years ago when we figured the cost of putting in a well wasn't worth the monthly savings in our water bill, I'm afraid we didn't budget for five little boys running loose with the hose!

What lessons have I learned this past week?

  • Down time is just as important as fun time.  If the kids don't get a break (and that includes the older ones, too) we're in for a very emotional evening.
  • It's important to see school friends during the summer.  They make cheap babysitters.
  • Water, water, WATER!!!  Drink it, play with it, but don't bother bathing in it.  Five minutes later they'll be a mess again.
  • Paper plates are awesome.
  • Coffee is even better. 
  • Swim diapers DO NOT absorb pee.
  • Popsicles make a fine breakfast.  (Especially Mommy's homemade "healthy pops".)
  • It's OK for them to wear nothing but swimming trunks... all week long.  Makes for a smaller laundry pile, which I will never get to, anyway.
  • Don't tell myself "I'll do that after they go to bed."  I'm too exhausted by then.
  • Daddy Jedi stories are the best way to unwind at bedtime.
  • I'm the luckiest mama to be able to stay home with our Little Blessings.
Leaving you with a few of our favorite memories from the start of summer vacation...

 Get sleep any way you can!


Joseph's pool party, compliments of the Eldridge family!

Alex and David display their diving talent:

Zachy evades Mommy and plunges into the pool by himself:
Making mud pies!


The boys' super waterslide!

Alex, pondering life

And last but not least, when all else fails, the boys are entertained simply by reading about themselves on our blog!


Comments

  1. HeidiJune 7, 2010 at 1:41 PM

    First of all, MIchelle, You look AMAZING! I cant pull that off now and I dont have any kids!! I love your blog :) It keeps me alive after the many hours in the cave studying. AND, I hope you save that video of ALex dancing on the diving board forever :) I laughed out loud. Love you guys!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 7, 2010 at 3:54 PM

    Boy, I second Heidi's comment! WHO, after giving birth to FIVE kids, looks like that in a 2-pc. swimsuit? Amazing! Summer is evidently starting off with a bag at your house! You and Zachy look like 4th of July firecrackers!

    ReplyDelete

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